First-timers compete to buy property

11.12.10

There is a significant gap opening up amongst Britain's aspiring first-time buyers in terms of the amount of money saved for a deposit. While a third of first time buyers have less than a 10% deposit saved, almost half have saved at least a 40% deposit. This has been identified as a "deposit gap," as a wealthier working population in their twenties benefit from higher salaries and savings and loans from richer parents, while those from poorer backgrounds struggle to save. Contradicting reports of a fragile housing market, the survey found demand for property is high. 25% of respondents said they would have liked to buy a house, but did not have the required deposit. Mortgage availability was also an issue: 71% of respondents said it was more difficult to obtain a mortgage than a year ago.